25. The Jungle Book (1967)
The Jungle Book, the last Disney film to be supervised by the great man himself, was a 1967 loosely based on the Rudyard Kipling book that followed the tale of an orphan named Mogli, who after growing up in the jungle surrounded by animals for 10 years, begins to question his beginnings and ultimately leads to Mogli reengaging with humans. The film is mostly regarded as featuring some of Disneys greatest songs within the film. The catchy, quotable Bare Necessities written by Terry Gilkyson provides an enjoyable gallivant conveying the message of enjoying lifes simple pleasures, while Wanna Be Like You, while not as strong, still provides a great musical number that actually feels incorporated into the story rather than a latched on addition, something future Disney titles have been known to do. While again, The Jungle Book is an incredible short 74 minutes, the film is fresh, fun and enjoyable for kids of most ages. Criticism has been placed on its particularly weak storyline that begins to feel stretched even despite the short running time, but ultimately The Jungle Book is a pleasurable adventure that provides again a beautifully created piece of animation from Disney.
24. Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio, released in 1940, was the 2nd feature length release by Walt Disney and followed the tale of Pinocchio, a puppet created by puppeteer Geppato, who after being animated by The Blue Fairy is told he cannot become a real boy until he has acquired truth, courage and unselfishness. Its an evocative piece of animation that almost brutally forces Pinocchio on a tortuous adventure to achieve what he desires. The animation is stunningly recreated, showing the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that Disney has thus gone on to be synonymous for. The finer, inanimate objects, the perspective and the depth of its effects are perfectly done. Its a bold undertaking and the three years of production can be seen in stark view here, no effort was spared to produce a delicate piece of animation. The film has also given rise to a host of synonymous characters, none more so than the delightful companion Jiminy Cricket who provides a welcome breath of musical air. Pinocchio reveals in its fairytale origins, creating an adventure of human proportions, a message that is undoubtedly vital to the success of the film. With glorious animation and a plethora of personalities, Pinocchio remains one of Disneys greatest efforts.
23. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Another Studio Ghibli project but one that is directed by Miyazaki protégé Yoshifuni Kondo, Whisper of the Heart is a far more grounded effort, telling the down to earth story of a young girl who experiences love for the first time after noticing a male name repeatedly showing up on her library books. The two strike a connection fused by creativity and the pressures of school. The romantic element to the film is dealt with wonderfully, rather than conforming to the conventional Hollywood structure of romance which is superficial and frankly tiresome, Whisper of the Heart delivers a far more poignant, realistic and evocative experience, the connection feels genuine, inspired by their avid obsession of creative aspirations. These more sensitive moments are a clear influence from Kondo, directing the action to tune to a more receptive atmosphere while Miyazaki provides the screenplay. The animation does a splendid job of finding detail in a differing set of locations, from the more secluded hills of Japan to cityscapes and the living arrangements of our protagonists first love Seiji. Its insightful and provides a looking in experience on the inner workings of each of their lives. Add to that the spectacular score by Yuji Nomi which captures the atmosphere perfectly as well as the introduction of the John Denver classic Take Me Home, Country Roads and the film sets itself up wonderfully. Whisper of The Heart may seem on appearance to be a typically standard romance that offers nothing fresh or new, but underneath preconceptions lies a true, realistic insight into two creative souls finding an attraction through the arduous period of childhood where academic pressures build up. A truly underrated gem.
22. Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia, released in 1941, has gone on to be a film that has divided opinion from those who herald it as a work of genius to those who condemn it for its lack of understanding of classical music and sheer pomposity. In my opinion, as a piece of animation, its a purely enjoyable and fascinating thing to witness, with so much thrown at you it can be difficult to gauge what on earth is going on. That initial impression was seemingly felt back in 1941. At the time of release, Fantasia was such a commercial flop that the failure of the film placed the future of the studio in jeopardy, an incredible thought in hindsight but one that inevitably spurred the studio on to future greatness. By featuring Mickey Mouse conducting as a sorcerer, conductor Leopold Stokowski and music that included Bach and Tchaikovsky it signalled the strange, weird and arguably wonderful mix of creative ideas at Disney. Fantasia can ultimately be defined as a spectacle, an experimental piece of avant-garde animation that pushed the art as far as it could at the time and allowed Disney to explore new realms within their technique, themes and use of score. Even today, it can be viewed purely as an aesthetically beautiful piece of film and while within the scale of its scope and ambition lies flaws, it doesnt back down from its relentless barrage of insanity. A truly astounding piece of animation.
21. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson over his 15 year career has brought to the screen a wondrous mix of eccentricity, weirdness and heart that portrays the trials and tribulations of various characters ranging from the adolescent to the aging, representing stylized versions of flawed individuals. Anderson's 1st venture into the world of animation proved to be an exciting prospect. Choosing stop-motion, a sadly under appreciated art form, Anderson creates a rather splendid retelling of the Roald Dahl classic. Staying true to the source material that Roald Dahl had created but including the dry sense of humour that Anderson has been accustomed too, the combination balances the film nicely, allowing for the slower moments to include the interaction between the characters and the human relationships, troubles and worries that each character experiences. This is further enhanced by the beautifully captured animation which flows seamlessly. As well as featuring the voicing talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Anderson regulars such as Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a enduring classic that showcases the beauty of stop motion animation all the while creating its own little charm and personality. A phenomenal tale for those of any age.